How should you navigate if avionics fail in the DA20-C1?

How should you navigate if avionics fail in the DA20-C1?

• A. Switch to backup instruments, use dead-reckoning and basic navigation methods, and follow the POH guidance for non-precision approaches or emergency procedures
• B. Immediately land at the nearest airport with GPS
• C. Ignore failure and continue using primary avionics
• D. Unreliable approach; request vectors from ATC for any approach

Answer: (A)

When avionics fail, the priority is to take command with the airplane’s basic, reliable instruments and navigate using simple, traditional methods until you can land safely. Switch to the standby instruments right away to maintain accurate attitude, altitude, and airspeed, and use the magnetic compass for orientation. With primary navigation out, rely on dead reckoning and pilotage—track your course from a known point, estimate position over time, and use visible landmarks or features on a map to stay on your intended path, while continually cross-checking altitude and airspeed to keep the airplane stable. Follow the POH’s specified procedures for avionics failure. Those procedures guide you on configuring the aircraft and selecting an appropriate method of navigation and approach that does not depend on the failed equipment, including any steps for a non-precision approach or other emergency landing options. This ensures you have a concrete, tested plan rather than improvising in a high-workload situation. Relying on vectors from ATC or rushing to the nearest GPS-equipped airport without a usable navigation system isn’t appropriate in this scenario; you need to maintain control, use the backup instruments, and execute the published procedures to land safely.

When avionics fail, the priority is to take command with the airplane’s basic, reliable instruments and navigate using simple, traditional methods until you can land safely. Switch to the standby instruments right away to maintain accurate attitude, altitude, and airspeed, and use the magnetic compass for orientation. With primary navigation out, rely on dead reckoning and pilotage—track your course from a known point, estimate position over time, and use visible landmarks or features on a map to stay on your intended path, while continually cross-checking altitude and airspeed to keep the airplane stable.

Follow the POH’s specified procedures for avionics failure. Those procedures guide you on configuring the aircraft and selecting an appropriate method of navigation and approach that does not depend on the failed equipment, including any steps for a non-precision approach or other emergency landing options. This ensures you have a concrete, tested plan rather than improvising in a high-workload situation.

Relying on vectors from ATC or rushing to the nearest GPS-equipped airport without a usable navigation system isn’t appropriate in this scenario; you need to maintain control, use the backup instruments, and execute the published procedures to land safely.